Job Opportunities at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Task description

Under the direct supervision of CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Under the direct supervision of Child Protection Officer the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist the operation in developing/ strengthening and implementing a country/ location specific Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) strategy is in line with UNHCR guidelines and updated global SGBV strategy. The SGBV strategy should be part of the operation’s Protection & Solutions Strategy.
• Establish and/or strengthen strategic and innovative partnerships for SGBV with community-based, local, national, and international organizations.
• Promote mainstreaming of Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) across all sectors and activities such as health, safety and security, psychosocial and legal shelter, WASH, and Energy and coordinate with Programme and Protection sections to ensure that SGBV programming is incorporated in partner agreements in all sectors.
• Support the operation in conducting assessments and safety audits on SGBV in coordination with other units and other agencies.
• Conduct mapping and maintain a “who, what where” matrix of existing services to address SGBV, including community capacities and structures.
• Strengthen and lead SGBV coordination mechanisms in refugee contexts or, in the context of IDPs, support the Sub-cluster SGBV coordination structure.
• Support the development and strengthening of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with comprehensive referral mechanism for response services through a consultative process with NGOs and community groups.
• Support SGBV data management (collection, storage, analysis and sharing) in line with safety and ethical standards. Build capacity for the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS).
• Support the planning and monitoring for multi-sectoral SGBV programming using UNHCR’s Results Framework, FOCUS.
• Conduct training on basic elements of SGBV prevention and response, the design of SGBV programmes and coordination mechanisms.
• Prepare regular consolidated reports on the progress, challenges, gaps and recommendations on SGBV prevention and response.
• Consult with Senior Protection Officer and with the Regional Advisor (SGBV) of with DIP on policy developments and strategic direction.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• Support implementation of UNHCR diversity policy, in particular to ensure protection of LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers.
• Support and provide guidance to partners on individual SGBV case management and implementation of proGres V4.

Eligibility criteria
Age

• 27 - 80

Nationality

• Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience

• 3 years of experience in solid knowledge of GBV prevention and response, case management and PSEA including training experiences
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft computer programmes including Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. SharePoint, MS Teams. Solid knowledge of proGres v4.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain.
• Sound security awareness.

Area(s) of expertise

• Legal affairs

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• Kiswahili, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, Human Rights, Refugee Studies, Social Sciences/Social Work/ Community Development)

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Job Posting End Date

December 15, 2023

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Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

• The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer can serve as a focal point for solutions related issues in a region, and reports to a more senior Protection, Resettlement or Durable Solutions staff. The incumbent may have supervisory responsibility for durable solutions staff.
• The incumbent is relied upon to ensure the implementation of a durable solutions strategy, and to contribute to ensuring a conducive environment leading towards finding durable solutions. S/he works closely with protection and programme staff. Fostering an environment to enhance partnerships is a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strength the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies.
• All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Provide counselling to refugees and other persons of concern (POC) to identify the most appropriate durable solution and to enable them to make a well-informed decision.
• Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and prepare documentation for their return.
• Interview and prepare Resettlement Referral Forms (RRF), in line with Resettlement SOPs.
• Interview candidates for local integration and prepare the appropriate documentation for onward submission to local authorities or partners.
• Assist in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation and local integration, in line with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Process documentation to ensure that POC receive the documents required for their durable solutions in a timely manner.
• Prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available and shared with relevant offices and partners.
• Interview and advise on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to POC. Prepare documents relating to durable solutions.
• Enter information into available database, in line with SOPs.
• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level

• For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

• Political Science;
• Social Science;
• Law;
• International Relations; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

• Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential

• Good knowledge of refugee issues and Human Rights doctrine. Very good reporting and writing ability.

Desirable

• Diverse field experience. Knowledge of ProGress database software.

Functional Skills

• CO-Drafting and Documentation
• IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
• (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

• For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
• For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
• As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
• This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

• The candidate should as a minimum, have experience related to Durable Solutions (Resettlement and Complementary Pathways, and VolRep). Prior experience in resettlement programme or strong case managements skills is an asset for discharging the functions of the position. Considering the complexities of the operation, it would be of added value to have a candidate with experience from insecure and isolated, non-family duty stations like Dadaab. The candidate will be required to have strong stakeholder management, interviewing and communications skills considering the large number of external partners, s/he will need to coordinate and advocate with. The candidate needs to have demonstrated leadership and analytical skills together with the ability to forecast evolving situations. The candidate should be familiar with UNHCR integrity-related rules and procedures. S/he is expected to liaise with the Representation and the Regional Bureau in Nairobi to ensure coherent approaches to durable solutions across the operation, and co-ordinate with partners, refugees and local authorities. The candidate will report to the Durable Solutions Officer in Dadaab and might act as officer in charge of the durable solutions team.

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position: 

• As of 31 October 2023, 2023, Dadaab population stands at 373,256 individuals. Of this number, 302,805 individuals are registered/ documented while 70,451 individuals are profiled/ undocumented.
• In Dec 2022, the Government of Kenya (GoK) designated Ifo2 and Kambioos as camps to accommodate the increased new arrivals. In March 2023, the GoK Government resumed registration of new arrivals from Somalia. UNHCR will continue to strengthen the protection of refugees and to maintain asylum space and continue to actively support Resettlement, Complementary Pathways and Voluntary Repatriation as part of the solutions strategy.
• With the GCR, the Garissa Integrated Socio-Economic Development Programme (GISEDP), the 2021 Refugees Act, the Shirkia Plan, UNHCR engages with county and sub-county officials and other stakeholders on integrated and inclusive services for refugees and host communities.UNHCR also works diligently to develop and complement existing strategies, including enhancing coordination and funding mechanisms, incorporating both humanitarian and development actors in line with CRRF/GCR.The GISEDP envisions that both refugees and host communities will benefit from strengthened national service delivery systems, increased socio-economic opportunities along with sustained investments in developing people’s skills and capabilities in order for them to become the drivers of economic growth in Garissa County.
• The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer (ADSO) is part of the Durable Solutions team. S/he works under the supervision of the Durable Solutions Officer (DSO). S/he contributes to the Office’ efforts to materialize solutions for refugees through implementation of the Protection and Solutions plans for the refugees in the existing three refugee camps in Dadaab, as well as soon in the newly reopened Ifo2 settlement, which was developed jointly by the Government of Kenya and UNHCR.
• Dadaab has a significant number of refugees in the resettlement pipeline submitted in the past years and pending processing by resettlement countries (mainly the USA). The operation continues to support RST countries processes/missions in addition to making new submissions. The ADSO will also coordinate voluntary repatriation activities. Although its numbers have reduced in the recent years, voluntary repatriation will remain a key component in the solutions strategy. The ADSO will also support complementary pathways activities by which refugees may be admitted to countries and have their international protection needs met while they are able to support themselves to potentially reach a sustainable and lasting solutions.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

• CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software

Education

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science

Certifications

Work Experience

Competencies

• Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

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Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

• The Shelter Associate provides support in carrying out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in liaison with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, public health, WASH, administration and supply.
• To ensure the most effective response, both quantitative and qualitative data should be gathered on the profile/needs and living conditions of both the displaced population and host community.
• The incumbent will assist in the day to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to ensure that works proceed as designed and comply with established standards and procedures for the full project cycle.
• Close and regular contact is maintained with technical and non-technical staff of shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities.
• The Shelter Associate normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague.
• The incumbent assists the supervisor in ensuring that shelter & infrastructure responses within the AoR evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from sustainable local building practices and materials.
• S/he provides technical assistance in general infrastructure planning, design and construction monitoring.
• Within an urban context, it is essential that shelter responses take into consideration urban planning strategies, including an analysis of residential areas, housing affordability and availability. In addition, regardless of the context, shelter assistance should at all times minimize the risk of harm, eviction, exploitation and abuse, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to services and unhygienic conditions.
• Special attention must be given to the environment and low carbon approaches, attention to material selection through sustainable means to ensure a green approach to shelter delivery.

Duties

Technical Guidance

• Assist in carrying out shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply. 
• Work with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the shelter beneficiary selection process prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable Persons of Concern (PoC).
• Assist the supervisor in developing and updating shelter strategies to reflect evolving situations and ensure alignment with national and global level policies and guidelines including: Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
• Provide support in the daily management of all construction and infrastructure projects within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance to established UNHCR and national standards/best practices for the full project cycle.
• Follow up the design and construction of infrastructure (schools, health centres, reception centres, drainage and roadworks etc) to confirm these are approved by the relevant authorities, technically sound, supplemented with accurate drawings, detailed BQs and specifications and implemented according to plans, completed within designated timelines, budget and ensure that this information is shared with relevant colleagues. 
• Work closely with other relevant sectors such as WASH, education and health so that shelter and infrastructure implementation is synchronised and coordinated. 
• Assist implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with national and global standards, national and operational strategies and guidance.

Coordination 

• Provide technical support in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of PoC.
• Assist in coordination and management of UNHCR¿s shelter and infrastructure interventions in a timely, cost-effective, inter-sectoral manner. Work with the government and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership. 
• Participate, as technical focal point within the AoR for shelter/infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including Government counterparts to ensure UNHCR¿s interests and those of the PoC are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner.

Collaboration

• Assist Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. 
• Actively work with Programme as a member of the Multi-Functional Team in the Operation and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met. 
• Provide support in the preparation of bid documents for all construction and infrastructure projects including technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc. 
• Assist in the technical evaluation of received bids as well as in the review/inspection of the quality of shelter and infrastructure products/works.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

• For G6 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher 

Field(s) of Education 
Not applicable.

• (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) 

Certificates and/or Licenses 

• Civil Engineering;   Architecture
• (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) 

Relevant Job Experience
Essential

• Knowledge of SPHERE standards and the ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, and computer equipment. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programs.

Desirable

• Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, environment and land use. Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of PoC is taken into account while designing and developing shelter options. Knowledge of computer graphics, AutoCAD and mapping software as well as the capacity to use mapping tools (GPS), and digital photographic equipment, and related software (map info etc.).

Functional Skills 

• SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
• CO-Drafting and Documentation
• SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
• IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
• (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) 

Language Requirements 

• For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
• For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Additional Qualifications 
Skills

• CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD), SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D), SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination

Education

Certifications

• Architecture Other, Civil Engineering Other

Work Experience

Other information

• Written test may be conducted for this position.This position doesn't require a functional clearance